Dr. Mar Irida Lloret i Villas – Neurologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Mar Irida Lloret i Villas is a dedicated Neurologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in adult patients. Practicing at a prominent neurology clinic within a hospital department in Edmonton, AB, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate neurological care. Dr. Villas provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Her focus is always on delivering personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, fostering a supportive environment for patients and their families navigating complex neurological health issues.

She has completed her medical education with a Grado en Medicina from Spain and holds a specialty certification as a Neurologist. With extensive post-graduate training, Dr. Villas has obtained the necessary certifications to practice neurology (Disorders of the Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves, and Muscles) in Alberta, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in neurological care. Her qualifications ensure that she stays current with the latest advances in neurology and best practices for patient management.

Driven by a philosophy rooted in patient-centered care, Dr. Villas adopts a holistic approach to neurological health, emphasizing evidence-based practices and ongoing patient education. She is dedicated to empowering her patients through clear communication and support, ensuring they understand their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Catalan, Dr. Villas is able to connect with a diverse patient community, providing culturally sensitive and accessible care in Edmonton. Her commitment is to improve neurological outcomes and quality of life for her patients through compassionate and comprehensive neurological care.

Dr. Mar Villas addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.
• Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.

Headache Disorders

• Chronic Daily Headache: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
• Cluster Headache: Intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods, one of the most severe types of pain known.
• Migraine (with or without Aura): A type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Movement Disorders

• Dystonia (Focal, Segmental, Generalized): A movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably, causing repetitive or twisting movements.
• Parkinson's Disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often including tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): A condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, typically because of an uncomfortable sensation.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Mar Villas.

• Evoked Potential Studies (Visual, Auditory, Somatosensory): Tests that measure the electrical activity in the brain in response to stimulation of sight, sound, or touch, often used in diagnosing MS and other conditions.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) - Performance or Referral & Interpretation: Procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing of conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, MS, or certain neurological infections.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
• Interpretation of Neurological Imaging (MRI, CT scans): Expert review and interpretation of brain and spinal cord imaging to aid in the diagnosis of neurological conditions.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Villas for care relevant to your needs.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Located within a key medical facility in Edmonton's Downtown East neighborhood, Dr. Villas's practice is situated in a neurology department that is part of the University Hospital and Main Campus. The clinic is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, making it convenient for patients from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all patients can receive care comfortably. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those traveling by car, providing flexible options for patients and visitors. As a vital component of Edmonton’s healthcare infrastructure, the practice offers specialized neurological services within a supportive and accessible environment.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Villas, a Neurologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Villas, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Coverage for specific medications, especially newer biologic therapies for conditions like MS or migraine, can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. Some specialized procedures or devices may also have specific coverage criteria. It's always best to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Villas's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Villas, a Neurologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Villas for assessment or treatment of a neurological condition. This ensures your care is coordinated, that preliminary investigations may have been done, and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific symptoms or suspected diagnosis.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how is it treated?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Treatment focuses on managing acute relapses (often with corticosteroids), slowing disease progression with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and managing symptoms (like fatigue, spasticity, pain, bladder problems). Dr. Villas can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.

When should I consider seeing a Neurologist?

You should consider seeing a Neurologist if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms such as: severe or frequent headaches (especially if new or different), chronic dizziness or vertigo, numbness or tingling in your limbs, unexplained weakness, seizures or blackouts, memory problems or cognitive decline, difficulties with movement or coordination (like tremors or unsteady gait), or significant changes in vision not explained by eye problems. Your family doctor can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a neurologist like Dr. Villas if needed.

10240 Kingsway NW, Royal Alexandra Hospital
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9

Phone: (780) 248-1089 | Fax: (780) 248-1807

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Villas is a licensed Neurologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Villas for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b86004f8-ce97-442e-be6b-a3e7408a4a10&i=876